The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park’s Creatures of the Night event returns Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, for a spooktacular spin on trick-or-treat.
Guests of all ages can wear their best costumes, explore the park, stop at themed tables to meet ambassador animals, check out habitats like the zoo’s most famous residents, Maximo and Sydney, and gather treats. Tickets are now available, and this year’s event features some exciting new changes.
“We’re mixing it up this year to make the event more free-flowing,” said Josie Taylor, curator of education at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. “Instead of timed entry with a very directed flow of traffic, guests can enter anytime during their ticketed day and explore the themed areas and habitats as they wish. This will keep the interactive tables from backing up and allow families to take their time and just enjoy the experience. Of course, we’ll have some creepy, crawly friends to visit and plenty of family-friendly surprises and treats!”
Creatures of the Night is held over two nights this year, Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. The gates open at 5 p.m., and the event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The zoo will close at 4 p.m. each day to prepare for the event. Entry will be through the green arched doorway between the main entry and the Anastasia Island Conservation Center. This year, guests can choose their own path, visiting themed areas featuring zoo staff handing out candy, vintage collectible creature cards and treats. Guests can also interact with a selection of the zoo’s ambassador animals, including snakes, lizards and crocodilians. Trick-or-treaters should bring their own treat bag to fill with all the goodies. The Toucan Tina Café will be open to purchase drinks and special treats.
Creatures of the Night tickets are available online; a limited number of day-of tickets are available, but advance tickets are strongly recommended.
Online member pricing is $18 for guests age 12 and older, and $14 for guests ages 2-11. Non-member pricing is $20 for guests age 12 and older, and $16 for guests ages 2-11. Day-of member pricing is $22 for guests age 12 and older, and $18 for guests ages 2-11. Non-member pricing is $24 for guests age 12 and older, and $20 for guests ages 2-11. Guests under age 2 are free.
Day-of purchases are credit and debit card only, and based on availability. To purchase tickets, go to https://tickets.alligatorfarm.com and select Community Events.
